One of my friends who is overweight and fighting the battle for many years like me, asked me about my surgery and what I went through before and after my surgery (Gastroplastia Duodenal Switch Surgery ). Well here goes!

After a consultation with my doctor and getting insurance approval I had to get medical and psych evaluations. Then I was given a 2 week supply of special protein shakes and told to drink only these and some supplements to shrink my liver and try to lose some weight. The more weight you can lose before the surgery the safer it is. I was given a date for my surgery and then all I had to do was wait.

On my surgery day Cassie took me to Our Lady of Lordes Hospital (formerly Rancocas Hospital) Which I thought was one of the best facilities I've been in BTW. The nurse took me to get me prepped while Cassie waited for me in the waiting room, then when I was ready they brought Cassie back in to sit with me until the OR was ready for me. The next thing I remember is waking up in the CCU. I had my own room for the whole week that I stayed in the hospital (5 days) Basically all I did was recover from the anestesia and waited until they tested to make sure there were no leaks anywhere after the surgery.

I had a few minor complications. I had to have suppositories due to constipation, and They had to put the catheter back in because I couldn't urinate right away. (that stayed in until the day I was discharged) (I discovered I had to have Flomax due to an enlargement of the prostate which was the problem of not being able to urinate) While I was in the hospital I had clear fluids and an intravenous feed line as well as a line to receive my pain meds (self administered by pushing a button, Way cool!) I was discharged from the hospital an Cassie happily took me home.

Some posts I did concerning my stay in the hospital and after. 

I have been eating a mostly liquid diet since my surgery on November 10th, 2008 but I have been able to eat yogurt, cottage cheese, soft boiled and scrambled eggs, I have tried some meats (chicken, pork, beef and raw tuna, but they don't sit well yet. The first time I tried Chicken (pureed) I became very ill, I think it was still too soon for that (3 weeks after the surgery) At my families Christmas Party I had 1 meatball, 1/2 a sausage, 4 thin strip's of cooped green pepper and a few olives and felt very uncomfortable for hours after that. I had a hankering for some sushi (my favorite food) 2 weeks ago and was very sick, vomiting, and stomach cramps. But that also could have been due to wasabi in the sushi. Spicy foods are a no-no for quite some time. I buy the Lean Muscle Mass meal replacement shakes and have been very happy with them. I add 4 frozen strawberries or a banana to the blender and they are delicious. The doctors say we need 90 to 120 grams of protein a day in order to get the right amount of food and protein is the most important of all the foods you will eat.

Then there are the supplements; I take Calcium, D, A, Iron, C, B-12 1-A-days, and Biotin. I was taking an enormous amount of 2 types of insulin but now just a very small amount (which gets better the more weight I lose) I was also taking Zetia, Tricor, and Avandamet which I no longer need. My Hemoglobin A-1c went from 11% to 6.7%. 6% and under you are not diabetic. Even my blood pressure has improved.

Overall this is a lifetime life change as I will continue to be monitored by my doctor for the rest of my life. But with the 100 pounds I have lost and the additional 110 pounds I am going to lose to get to my goal weight it is worth it all.

Some links that are helpful when you are considering Bariatric Surgery.

Interviews from Obesity Help on Youtube 

www.obesityhelp.com 

My doctor's website South Jersey Bariactrics 

Yahoo group for South Jersey Bariatric Bunch where I am a member

Animation videos from Youtube on bariatric surgery

If you have a strong stomach and want to see the real surgeries,
This site has more information on the other different surgeries that are available.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastroplastia Duodenal Switch Surgery

Lap Gastric Banding

Lap Band Adjustment

Lap Band in the News

You can ping this entry by using http://www.twhgrafx.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2340 .

Ted, I am impressed that you did not go in this blind! I know soooo many people who have taken this giant leap and most do 'ok"....the others just don't do what they're told and end up with the weight back on. Many deal with malnutrition. I have a dear friend who lost 200 pounds and went from a size 26 to about a 9/10 and looks marvelous! She is in her 50's. I've been sharing with her how well you're doing. The surgery itself, as you know, is not the end all be all...there is so much work and so much changing that has to be done to be successful. I am so very proud of you!! I am very impressed with your "stats". Please keep us updated. I am living vicariously through you!!! LOL

Thanks Wendy!
I had my glasses on and researched this and prayed about this for a long time. This was a last resort for me and a chance to be reborn physically, like I was many years ago spiritually. I will keep everyone posted on my progress and hope and pray that this year will be a wonder filled year for you and all my friends and family.
Happy New Year!
Ted

I just saw the pictures on Cassie's page - you look great!!! You are doing so awesome!!! Keep up the good work :-)

Thanks Nancy! And thank you for all the encouragement on my journey, it has helped tremendously.
Ted